My art studio mate is Dianne V, who is also Dianne Berkun Menaker, the visionary Founder and Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Together, we collaborated on a hand-painted backpack, crafted from vegan leather and finished with lightfast, waterproof paint. The piece features a striking red interior and will be amongst the auction pieces.
We share a studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn. This collaboration emerged after her former studio in Red Hook was severely damaged by water during a major fire last year—an event that displaced many artists and resulted in significant studio losses. In response, she has split dedicated this auction event to supporting affected artists financially as well as for the youth chorus. The initiative provides a valuable platform to exhibit work and create opportunities for sales—addressing one of the most persistent challenges artists face: gaining visibility and connecting their work with potential buyers.
"Ms. Berkun Menaker is also a renowned arts producer, having developed over 120 original works and world premieres by contemporary composers, including Pulitzer Prize-winners. She conceived of and co-created Port(al), a critically acclaimed, site-specific choral theater work that premiered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in May 2025. Her legacy includes the impactful Silent Voices series and Black Mountain Songs. Beyond her producing, she is an acclaimed choral clinician and the creator of the Cross-Choral Training® method, a holistic approach to vocal pedagogy now widely recognized for developing healthy, versatile singers."
So come on out on May 7th for a magical evening to support the artists, youth chorus and the community! Cheers, Callie
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